The Rubik's Cube of Israeli–European Union Relations

External perceptions of the European Union in Israel—the role of norms and culture

“…Examining the EU's actions as a global actor through the lenses of norms and the theoretical framework of normative power remains relevant due to current developments in the European neighborhood and the global arena (Aydın-Düzgit and Noutcheva, 2022; Romanova, 2016). It is especially relevant as many EU practitioners use the normative component as part of the EU neighborhood policy (Keukeleire et al, 2021), particularly in Israel (Pardo and Zahavi, 2022).…”

“…One prominent arena of this challenge is its southern neighborhood (Keukeleire et al, 2021). Israel thus provides a unique neighboring country setting for scrutiny of external perceptions given the conflicting trends of Israeli–EU relations and Israel's relations with Europe (Pardo and Zahavi, 2022).…”

“…Israel, which shares a maritime border with Cyprus, is included in the European neighborhood policy, which is one of the EU's key foreign policy tools (Dannreuther, 2006). While the EU wants Israel to embrace the European integration project, adopt its values, and act according to its goals, Israel has an ambivalent attitude toward Europe and the EU (Pardo, 2015;Pardo and Zahavi, 2022). As a country established mainly by European Jews, Israel's historical roots are in Europe, and Israel has very close political, economic, and cultural relations with Europe and the EU.…”